Adoption Services

Building a Permanent Legacy

At Orchards Children’s Services, we believe that every child deserves a permanent place to call home. Since 1986, we have facilitated more than 3,000 adoptions, connecting children in the foster care system with loving, permanent families. Whether a family is formed through birth, foster care, or adoption, every branch is a vital and celebrated part of our community

Adoption vs. Foster Care: Understanding the Difference

It is important for families to understand the distinct paths of these two vital services.

Adoption is the permanent placement of a child. Legal parental rights have been terminated, and the goal is a lifelong commitment.
Foster Care is a temporary placement with the primary goal of reunifying the child with their biological family.

Adoption	Foster Care
Adoption is the permanent placement of a child	Foster care is the temporary placement of a child with reunification as the goal
Birth parents rights have been terminated, and the Michigan Children’s Institute is the child’s legal guardian until the adoption is finalized	Birth parents’ rights are still intact, and decision making is shared between the birth parents, the agency and the court system
There are no visitations with birth parents; however, visitation with siblings and potentially relatives continue	Visitations with birth parents and siblings occur at a minimum of weekly
Adoptive families are required to have an approved adoptive home study or foster care license, which is preferred	Foster care requires that the family obtain a foster care license
Adoptive families are required to work with agency representatives for the case planning needs of a child until the adoption is completed	Foster families are required to work with agency representatives for the case planning needs of a child until reunification occurs
Home visits are required on a quarterly minimum basis until the adoption is finalized, in addition to the monthly foster care home visits	Foster home visits are required on at least a monthly minimum basis. Annual or semi-annual home visits are also required to maintain your license
Training is required as a part of the initial home study process	Training is a requirement as a part of the initial licensing process. Ongoing training is also required to maintain your license on a yearly basis
Children awaiting adoptive families are generally 10 - 17	Children needing foster care placement are ages 0-17

Who are the Children Awaiting Adoption?

Most children currently awaiting adoptive families through the Michigan child welfare system are between the ages of 10 and 17. All are coming from various backgrounds and require parents who are patient, trauma-informed, and committed to their long-term healing. There is a high need for families willing to adopt:

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Sibling Groups: Keeping brothers and sisters together.
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Teenagers: Providing guidance during the critical transition to adulthood.
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Children with Specialized Needs: Children who have experienced trauma are more likely to have a higher level of medical, mental health, and behavioral needs. Caring for these children may require more specialized training.

How the Adoption Process Works

Orchards provides a clear, supportive roadmap for families ready to make a permanent commitment.

1. Orientation and Training

The journey begins with a free orientation. You will learn about the children waiting for homes and the requirements for licensing. We recommend our caregivers become licensed foster parents as they are assessed for adoption, allowing for faster placement of youth in foster care in their home.

2. The Home Assessment (Home Study)

An Adoption Assessment must be completed for your family and home, separate from the licensing process. An Orchards adoption specialist will conduct a thorough assessment of your household. This includes interviews with all household members, safety checks of your living space, and a review of your social and financial history, as well as assessments on your family’s ability to meet the needs of children with varying levels of needs. This process ensures a safe and stable environment for a child.

3. Matching and Placement

Our Adoption staff specialize in finding and supporting families that can meet the needs of a child in foster care who is legally available for adoption. Our focus is on the needs of the child and the ability for families to care for their needs in the moment, and in the future, as they become a permanent member of their family.

4. Finalization

The length of time it takes to finalize an adoption varies greatly depending on a number of factors but can be finalized in 6 months or longer. During this time, Orchards provides at least monthly home visits, support, and planning. Once the court finalizes the adoption, the legal bond is permanent.

5. Specialized Population

Adoption Resource Consultants (ARC): These specialists focus on finding a forever family for youth who have been available for adoption for one year or longer. By supporting potential caregivers in meeting the needs of these youth, we help to develop permanent life-long connections for children.

ARC Program Information:

Talk To A Consultant

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can adopt?

We welcome individuals (18+) from all backgrounds, regardless of marital status, orientation, or religious background. You must have verifiable income and stable housing.

Is there a cost?

There is no cost for the licensing or home study process through Orchards. To finalize the adoption, a fee of approximately $300 per child is typically paid directly to the county court.

See more FAQs

Post-Adoption Support

Our commitment to your family does not end at finalization. We offer ongoing resources and specialized support to help your family branch continue to flourish for years to come.

GET SPECIALIZED SUPPORT

Ready to Start Your Forever Story?

The first step is attending an orientation. We look forward to meeting you and helping you grow your family.

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248-258-1278 or 248-530-5370
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fosteradopt@orchards.org
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24901 Northwestern Highway, Southfield, MI 48075

SUBMIT AN ADOPTION INQUIRY